Originally known as the Wichita Art Association, Mark Arts has a rich history in the community of Wichita dating back to its inception in 1920. After 50 years of being in the same facility, the Wichita Art Association found it needed significant repairs and updates to meet building standards. However, the thought of renovating while disrupting students was not ideal. This crossroads led to the founding of Mark Arts in 2015. Through multimillion-dollar donations from high-profile donors, 17 acres of land for a brand-new building was gifted to the citizens of Wichita. Among these donors, the most notable was the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation. Lending her name to the new facility, Mark Arts is short for the Mary R. Koch Arts Center.

Though modern in design, the prairie-style building evokes a mid-century aesthetic through cascading walls of glass. If one stands at the center of the building, it’s possible to have a clear diagonal line of sight to the outdoors bringing landscaping into the building through the glass. The facility features nine studios for art instruction, including spaces for culinary arts, digital arts, and youth programs. Additionally, the arts center boasts a premier gallery and a grand hall for events. Outdoors there is generous green space, complete with a stage for performances, two terraces, a sculpture garden, and a plein air studio.

Mark Arts is a vibrant regional arts hub that provides opportunities to appreciate and create art. With its rich history, this building will continue to foster the art landscape in Wichita for years to come.

SERVICES
Electrical
Geotechnical
Mechanical
Site Civil
Survey

PROJECT SIZE
40,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE
2016